PROVIDENCE, R.I. -
The Providence College men's lacrosse team fell to fourth-ranked Syracuse, 18-9, on Tuesday, March 19 at Lennon Family Field in Providence, R.I. Junior Sean Wright (Silver Spring, Md.) led the Providence effort with four points on three goals and one assist. The Friars fall to 5-2 overall (0-2 BIG EAST), while the Orange improve to 5-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play.

Providence took an early 1-0 lead less than two minutes into the game as Andrew Barton (Timonium, Md.) netted his 14th goal of the season, unassisted. The Orange finished out the first quarter with six unanswered goals to take a 6-1 lead.

The Friars halted the run with 9:06 showing on the clock in the second quarter, as Wright found the back of the net off a feed from Robert Caffrey (Yorktown Heights, N.Y.). Wright's goal marked his 20th of the season and got the Friars within four (6-2). The Orange answered with five-straight goals to close the half and take an 11-2 lead into the break.

Kevin Rice led Syracuse with four points on two goals and two assists in the opening half, while Luke Cometti added two goals. Matt Walters checked in with one goal and two assists for three points.

Syracuse outshot the Friars 21-11 in the first half and also recorded a 14-11 edge in groundballs. The Orange also converted 3-of-4 extra-man opportunities in the half, while the Friars were 0-1.

The Orange outscored the Friars 3-2 in the third quarter and the two teams headed into fourth quarter separated by 10 goals (14-4). JT Weber (West Hartford, Conn.) and Wright each recorded goals during the stretch. Wright's goal came with just four-seconds left off a feed from Kevin Blair (Hingham, Mass.).

The Friars scored two of the first three goals to start the fourth quarter to get within nine (15-6) with 9:04 to play. Weber struck first, unassisted, at the 11:37 mark and Daniel Textor (Rockville Centre, N.Y.) tallied a man-up goal at 9:04, assisted by Weber.

The Orange answered with back-to-back goals to take a 17-6 advantage, but the Friars rallied with three-straight goals from Blair, Barton and Wright to cut the deficit to 17-9. The Orange closed the scoring with 41 seconds left to take an 18-9 victory.

Jack Connelly (Kenilworth, Ill.) registered 10 saves for the Friars in goal. He played the first 53 minutes before being relieved by Peter Badgley (Summit, N.J.). Badgley finished the game with one save. Syracuse played three goaltenders in the game, and were led by starting goalie Dom Lamolinara, who posted the win with 11 saves.

Syracuse finished the game with a 37-36 advantage in shots, and grounballs were even at, 29-29. Each team also converted 3-of-5 extra man opportunities in the game.

Providence returns to action on Saturday, March 23 against Siena at 1:00 p.m. The game will be played at Lennon Family Field in Providence, R.I.

"We fouled way too often in the first half. The penalties forced us to play, in excess, man down opportunities, which Syracuse was able to capitalize on. In their extra-man opportunities Syracuse got off great shots."

"We didn't get to play much offense in the first half. We missed a few ground-ball opportunities that we would like to have back which gave Syracuse second chances."

"Syracuse had tremendous ball movement and was able to work the ball tight to the cage. They displayed lights out shooting."

"Our offense improved tremendously from our game against Georgetown. Statistically, we competed with Syracuse tonight. Our numbers were evenly distributed in face-offs, turnovers, and clear attempts. Despite the result on the scoreboard, we got a lot better as a team today."

"Mike Noyes is the backbone of our team. Despite being banged up tonight, he finished with five ground balls and five caused turnovers."